A couple of years back, I stood on the opposite side of some perspex glass from one of the world’s most notorious offenders.
He has offended most people and often, common decency.
It might even offend you that I’m writing this!
I was on stage just after the pandemic in a slot right before Piers, giving a talk on how to generate media coverage by using your expertise to add value to the media and your customer at the same time.
Piers had plenty to say, naturally. However, one thing that did stick with me was his main tip about how to handle negative press.
“Say sorry.”
Now, I’m not sure Piers has ever uttered the word himself that many times and it might well be a case of do what I say not as I do but on this tip, he is spot on.
Which is why I have found it so interesting to see a decent amount of people doing the decent thing and doing just that by saying “sorry” about various posts that mocked Princess Catherine.
US Actress Blake Lively for one admitted to making a “silly” post that referenced “photoshop fails” on social media.
“I’m sorry. Sending love and well wished to all,” said Blake.
There’s been many, many more.
There’s a lot of power in being vulnerable and admitting being in the wrong.
Don’t dress it up with ifs, buts and maybes if you ever find yourself in that situation. You will only dig a bigger hole and encourage others to look deeper.